SUAIRE (Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture)
Not a member yet
11873 research outputs found
Sort by
Condom use among youths in sub-saharan Africa: a narrative review on the myths, misconceptions, and challenges
No full textJournal articleIf properly used, condoms can serve as an efective family planning method and preventive tool towards sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). Despite its anticipated efectiveness, there are diferent myths and misconceptions which have been observed as
hindrances to both its use and efectiveness. Tis review examines the myths and misconceptions of condom use among youths
and explores challenges in condom usage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A narrative review was employed of which diferent journal
articles were reviewed. Te search words/phrases were “condom use in SSA, condom use among youths in SSA, myths and
misconceptions on condom use among youths in SSA.” A total of 1074 studies were identifed, 93 were relevant to the topic, and
only 71 suited the review. Te identifed myths and misconceptions of condom use include that males were the ones to decide on
the use of condoms during sexual intercourse, economic power determines the use of condoms, condom use reduces sexual
pleasure, condom use relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and condom use is against God’s will. Other identifed myths and
misconceptions of condom use include that the use of condoms is a sign of lack of trust associated with fornication and adultery,
also the use of condoms is only for family planning purposes. Te challenges identifed were breakage of condom during sexual
intercourse, condom slippage, condom leakage, incorrect storage, and reuse of condoms. Te identifed myths and mis-
conceptions lead to low knowledge of condom use within communities. Tere is a need for collaboration between governments,
researchers, and NGOs to provide education on condom use to communities, particularly youths
Understanding teachers' and students' perceptions on the re-entry of teen mother-students in public secondary schools of Dodoma City
No full textResearch paperThis research study adopted a Concurrent Triangulation Design based on a mixed approach to
investigate the perceptions of teachers and students regarding the re-entry of mother-students
into public secondary schools in Dodoma City. The study involved a sample of 489 students
and 104 teachers from ordinary secondary schools, eight teachers, and seven mother-students
from secondary school centers. Systematic, simple random, purposive, and stratified sampling
techniques were used to draw the categorical samples from the population. Data were
analyzed using descriptive through counts and frequencies and thematic procedures were
adopted for qualitative data analysis. The demographic analysis of school students and
teachers revealed that the teaching profession in Dodoma City is predominantly female,
which may influence the support provided to teen mother-students upon re-entry. The findings
showed different perceptions towards the re-entry of mother-students. However, both teachers
and students recognize the importance of providing educational opportunities to these young
mothers. Alternatively, concerns regarding stigmatization, financial barriers, and parental
attitudes were also identified. To foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The
study recommended organizing workshops for teachers to sensitize them about the challenges
faced by mother-students, developing comprehensive support programs, involving parents in
the re-entry process, and providing targeted financial assistance. Addressing these issues can
empower teen mother-students to pursue their education and contribute to breaking the cycle
of poverty while promoting gender equality. By implementing the proposed recommendations,
educational policymakers and stakeholders can create a conducive environment for the
successful reintegration of mother students into the formal education system
Cestodes fauna of silvery mole rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) in Morogoro region, Tanzania
No full textJournal ArticleBackground: Silvery mole rat (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus) is a subterranean rodent widely distributed throughout
Sub-Saharan Africa. They have been reported to host several gastrointestinal parasites, however, the status of
parasites from these rats in Tanzania has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of
cestodes parasites in silvery mole rats from the Morogoro region.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mlali and Mji mkuu wards of the Mvomero and Morogoro
urban districts in Tanzania, from March to June 2023. Silvery mole rats were collected through manual excavation of
their burrows in agri-ecological areas. The captured rats were euthanized using Diethyl Ether and dissected to remove
the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). GIT contents were gathered. Adult worms were collected and preserved in 70.0%
ethanol. A flotation and aceto-carmine staining techniques were employed to process gastrointestinal contents and
adult tapeworms respectively. Both cestode eggs and adult tapeworms were identified based on general morphological
features using taxonomic keys. The prevalence of cestodes was computed, and a chi-square test was applied to
assess association, a p-value≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: One hundred thirty-seven silvery mole rats were collected, adult females 65% (89/137) were dominant
among collected rats. One species of gastrointestinal cestode was detected with an overall prevalence of 20.44%
(28/137) and identified as Hymenolepis diminuta. A total of 392 adult worms and 1450 eggs per gram (EPG) for H.
diminuta were collected from the gastrointestinal tract. A significant association was shown between cestodes infection
with both host age and reproductive category (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: This study has established that Hymenolepidae (H. diminuta) is prevalent in silvery mole rats of the
Morogoro region, suggesting that this animal could be among the sources of hymenolepiasis disease in the
community. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate cestodes fauna in community members of the
respective study area
Utilization of ICT facilities in teaching and learning of agricultural sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
No full textDissertationThis study examined utilization of ICT facilities in teaching and
learning of agricultural sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture,
Tanzania. The primary objective of this study was to assess the
extent to which ICT facilities are utilized by members of academic
staff in teaching and learning of agricultural sciences at Sokoine
University of Agriculture. Specifically, the study inquired about the
types of ICT facilities available at SUA for teaching and learning of
agricultural sciences. The study also determined the extent of
utilization of ICT facilities in teaching and learning of agricultural
sciences at the University. Moreover, the study described the factors
that influence the use of ICT facilities in teaching and learning of
agricultural sciences and lastly, the study inquired about the
challenges that deter instructors from effective use of ICT facilities
during teaching and learning of agricultural sciences. To achieve
these objectives, a descriptive survey design incorporating a mixed
approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods was
employed. Data were collected using questionnaires, interview
schedule and focus group discussion. The population of the study
comprised of 65 instructors from the College of Agriculture (CoA),
four Heads of Department and the Head of ICT services at the
University. Both instructors and key informants were selected
purposively and a list of instructors with a minimum of ten or more
years in teaching from the CoA was used as a sampling frame.
Subsequently, the collected data were entered into a computer,
underwent cleaning, and were then subjected to analysis. The
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 computer
software was used to analyze quantitative data and qualitative data
were analyzed through content analysis. Binary logistic regression
was used determine factors influencing instructors’ use of ICT
facilities in teaching and learning of agricultural sciences at the
University. Other variables were analysed by using descriptive
statistics. Firstly, the study findings revealed that, most of the ICT
facilities were available at the university but were inadequate to accommodate the number of instructors present at the respective
departments in the CoA. The findings also revealed that, the extent
of utilization was moderate with some of the ICT facilities being over
utilized while others were underutilized. Additionally, the study
findings revealed that institutional factors (e.g.,
availability and
accessibility of ICT facilities, and technical support) and personal
factors (e.g., instructor positive attitude, sex, age and teaching
experience) play a significant role in influencing ICT utilization at the
university. Finally, the study findings disclosed that inadequacy of
ICT facilities and infrastructure, slow internet connectivity, unreliable
power supply, lack of in-service training, problems of handling large
classes, inadequacy of ICT manpower/ technical support, and lack
administrative support as challenges that deter instructors from
utilizing ICTs in teaching and learning process. The current study
confirms with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed
by Davis in 1978, as a framework to explain and predict how people
adopt and use technology, particularly ICT. The study concluded
that, although ICTs are very crucial in promoting teaching and
learning of agricultural sciences at the University, the extent of
utilization is still moderate due to various challenges such as
shortage of ICT facilities and infrastructure at departmental level,
unreliable power supply at the University, lack of in-service training,
problems of handling large classes and inadequacy of skilled ICT
manpower. Therefore, the university in keeping with its current
strategic plan and ICT policy should develop a sound long term
strategy that seeks to address these challenges while seeing to it
that, it’s properly financed and executed. In the short term the
university should carry out holistic capacity needs assessment with
the intent of addressing capacity gaps at individual, organizational
and systemic levels while bringing to light the numbers and type of
ICT
facilities
required;
offer
professional
development
programs/trainings that focus on enhancing instructors' technological
proficiency; and guarantee that alternative sources of power such as
generators and solar panels are installed across different
departments to ensure reliable power supply at the university
Community’s knowledge of the effects of illegal hunting and trade in Western Nyerere National Park Tanzania
No full textDissertationIllegal bushmeat hunting is now a prominent problem in many
regions of the world owing to the ecological, socioeconomic, and
human health repercussions. In regions of Africa, particularly
Tanzania, illicit bush-meat hunting and trading is responsible for a
substantial drop in wildlife populations, a loss of government
revenue, and employment opportunities, all of which cost
conservation and expose people to zoonotic diseases. Despite the
threats posed by illegal hunting activities, the phenomena are
prevalent among individuals of the groups investigated. This calls
our attention to assessing community understanding of illicit hunting
activities and its consequences to conservation and public health.
Specifically, this study aimed to (i) assess the knowledge of
communities on the impacts of illegal bushmeat hunting and trade;
(ii) assess the knowledge of communities on the potential health
risks associated with handling and or consumption of wildlife
products; and (iii) identify key species hunted for bushmeat and
determine the spatial and temporal pattern of bushmeat hunting and
trade. We employed key informant interviews and household
surveys in eight (8) villages adjacent to the western part of Nyerere
National Park. Generalized linear model (GLM) with Binomial error
distribution was used to analyse the data. According to our results, a
majority of local inhabitants recognise the impacts of illegal hunting,
with around 84% realising that unregulated hunting may diminish
wild species and negatively impact their socioeconomic livelihoods.
More than half of the locals were unaware of the potential health
risks associated with consuming and handling wildlife products. Our
research also indicated that illegal hunting is more common during
the rainy season than dry season. We found that, the spatial network
of illegal bushmeat varies from origin site to destinations. Amongst
the common hunted species, Hippopotamus (61%), Buffalo (56%)
and Hartebeest (52%) are more vulnerable to illegal hunting. This
study established the knowledge of the local communities towards
the impacts of bushmeat hunting which is essential in developing effective conservation and public health education programs.
Nonetheless, our study emphasizes on specific and general anti-
poaching strategies in curbing the illegal hunting in areas adjacent to
protected areas
Impact of mulching treatments on growth, yields, and economics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Eastern Tanzania
No full textJournal articleMulching is a widely used agricultural practice that can significantly affect crop growth, yield, and economic outcomes, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions. The present study evaluated the influence of various mulching practices on the growth, yield, and economic viability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Tanzania. The study was conducted across three sites in the eastern agro-ecological zone of Tanzania: Kipera (E4 200–1000 m.a.s.l.), Mgeta (E14 500–000 m.a.s.l.), and Ndole (E2 500–1200 m.a.s.l.). Four mulching treatments—polythene mulch, synthetic biodegradable mulch, rice husk mulch, and a control group—were applied to assess their effects on plant growth and yield components. Results revealed significant variations in growth parameters and yield components across sites. Notably, polythene mulch and synthetic biodegradable mulch consistently outperformed the other treatments. Polythene mulch resulted in an average plant height of 68.37 cm, followed closely by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 68.26 cm, both significantly (p < 0.05) taller than rice husk mulch (62.79 cm) and the control (57.74 cm). Canopy coverage was highest with polythene mulch at 61.7%, followed by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 60.5%. Grain yields did not differ significantly between synthetic biodegradable mulch (2.64 t ha−1) and polythene mulch (2.67 t ha−1). Economic analysis indicated that synthetic biodegradable mulch offers promising marginal returns (MR: Tshs. 3,787,450 or USD 1,469) and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.91, compared to polythene mulch (MR: Tshs. 4,114,050 or USD 1,595, BCR: 2.06). These findings suggest that synthetic biodegradable mulch is a sustainable and economically viable option for enhancing common bean production across diverse agro-ecological settings in Tanzania.FoodLAND projec
Assessment of Soil and Water physical and chemical properties for Crop production in the Nyarubogo irrigation scheme, Rwanda
No full textJournal articleAgricultural production is significantly influenced by the soil and water quality,
especially in irrigation systems, where poor management may result in degraded soil
and lower crop yields. This study is noteworthy because it tackles the problems of
nutrient imbalances, salinity, and acidity in the Nyarubogo irrigation system. This
study aimed to assess the irrigation scheme's soil and water quality to spot any hazards
to crop productivity and suggest suitable mitigation measures. A wide range of
characteristics, such as pH, nutrient content, total dissolved solids (TDS), magnesium
adsorption ratio (MAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), adsorption ratio (SAR), and
electrical conductivity (EC), were determined on a comprehensive set of soil and water
samples. The results showed that, with pH values ranging from 5.1 to 6.9, most of the
soils in the study area are acidic, which may hinder crop development and nutrient
availability. Furthermore, the soil demonstrated a moderate cation exchange capacity
(CEC), suggesting a respectable ability to retain nutrients. The SAR of the water
samples in this study ranged from 0.22 to 0.28 meq/l, indicating that water was suitable
for irrigation and that no adverse effects were anticipated. It is evident from the high
MAR values found in irrigation water that cautious management is required to avoid
long-term soil deterioration. To lessen the negative consequences of acidity, salinity,
and nutrient imbalances, this research emphasizes the need to routinely monitor the soil
and water and use specific soil management techniques. The findings establish a basis
for enhancing soil health and maintaining agricultural output, giving farmers and
agricultural managers involved in the Nyarubogo irrigation project crucial information.Bank-KFW Germa
Domestic tourism motivation and dissatisfaction factors for marine protected areas, Dar es Salaam coast
No full textM.A DissertationMotivation has been recognized as an important factor influencing
people's decisions to travel and choose activities. However, the
understanding of what motivates and demotivates domestic tourism,
particularly in marine protected areas (MPAs) has remained low. This
study identified and explored what motivates and demotivates visitors
in travelling to MPAs. An exploratory study design was adopted. The
study involved a sample size of 60 local visitors. Quantitative data
were obtained from the visitors in the MPAs and partial least square
structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was performed with the aid of
SMART-PLS 13.0. Qualitative data were generated from visitors
through key informant interviews. The data were analyzed
thematically with the aid of NVivo11. The study found out that
psychological needs have a strong effect on destination attributes in
MPAs. Furthermore, the study found that resting and relaxation,
pride and novelty are the psychological needs that significantly
influence travel to MPAs. It was further noted that destination
attributes which were found important included scenic beauty, clean
water, cruising environment and staff hospitality. Thematic analysis
confirms that the factors that demotivate domestic tourists are the
use of improper language, noise pollution, service favoritism, high
prices of food and beverages, gender imbalance, lack of inspection,
and lack of jet skiing sport. Generally, it can be concluded that
understanding the destination attributes and psychological needs is
crucial for developing and promoting domestic tourism in MPAs;
hence creation of potential repeat customers. The study
recommends that implementation of policy pathways should be
potentially geared towards improving domestic tourism and retention
of repeat customers
Analysis of formal institutions and power relations along timber value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationTimber is among rising highly value product worldwide. The
utilization of timber can help in promoting jobs to as many people as
possible through its value chain. In Tanzania, most past studies
conducted on timber value chain concentrated on market analysis
and illegal activities that are undertaken along the chain, fewer
studies assessed the institutions and power relations along the
chain. This study therefore analysed formal institutions and power
relations guiding timber value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts.
The study followed an institutional framework from which a sub
framework of legal and regulatory framework was formed. Therefore,
a definition provided by Douglass North on institutions was adopted.
The study defines institutions as the rules of the game. The study
also follows an Actors’ interface framework which was developed by
Norman Long an English socialist who studied the behaviours of
actors in agriculture value chain context. In the theory, actors in the
interface are characterized by discontinuities in interest, values and
power. There are however power struggles that cannot be avoided
in the actor’s interface but they can be solved through negotiations
and accommodations of all stakeholders thinking or ideas.
This study was conducted in Liwale and Ruangwa districts located in
the southern part of Tanzania. The study adopted an exploratory
cross sectional study design, in which qualitative data were collected
through in- depth key informant interviews, formal and informal talks
with people who are working along the timber value chain, focus
group discussion (FGDs), researchers own observations and
document reviews. Purposive and simple random sampling were
used to select participants for this study. 20 timber dealers, 5 forest
officers, 4 TFS agents, 15 members from the VNRCs, 3
representatives from MJUMITA, MCDI and TFCG and 2
representatives from FORVAC were involved in the study.
Qualitative data were analysed following six steps of thematic
analysis including transcribing interviews into text, going through the text, coding the text, grouping the codes to form themes, reviewing
the themes, describing the themes and assessing their relationships.
Dedoose platform was used for qualitative data analysis. Findings
show that institutions which are the rule and regulations created to
guide value chain activities, largely affect the development of timber
value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts. The government
remains to be the sole regulator of the value chain through
established rules and regulations. It was also discovered that all
actors along the timber value chain in Liwale and Ruangwa districts
operate under the same regulatory framework. Furthermore, the
study finds that there are power relations that exist among the timber
value chain actors in Liwale and Ruangwa districts respectively.
These are institutional, strategic and supportive power relations.
In addition to that there are power struggles that exists among some
of the timber value chain actors. For instance, the forest officers and
the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS) agents experience power
struggles among themselves this is mainly caused by the desire that
these two sides have on getting the revenues collected from the
timber dealers when sanctioned. Based on these findings, it is
concluded that formal institutions and power relations have a great
influence on the development of timber value chain in Liwale and
Ruangwa districts. Therefore, the policy makers should include all
actors in the timber value chain so as to avoid complaints and power
imbalance that comes with the established rules and regulations.FORVAC, a Finnish developmental progra
Assessment of rodent-borne and zoonotic disease pathogens in humans, gogs and rodents and community awareness in Ngorongoro District, Tanzania
No full textPhD ThesisBacteria and viruses carried by rodents, and domestic dogs can
have significant public health implications. Rodents are known
reservoirs of several zoonotic diseases, such as Hantavirus
hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever virus, plague, tuberculosis and
leptospirosis. Also, domestic dogs carry zoonoses like rabies,
leptospirosis, salmonellosis, ehrlichiosis and borreliosis. Zoonotic
diseases pose a substantial risk to communities‘ health, mostly in
wildlife, domestic animals and human interface areas. Ngorongoro
district is the home of various wildlife and domestic animals
cohabiting with humans. The district is experiencing the expansion
of human activities which brings rodents into close proximity with
human settlements. Previous studies conducted in livestock and
human patients attending the health facilities have documented the
existence of antibodies of zoonoses like Rift Valley fever,
Brucellosis, Anthrax, and molecular detection of Bovine tuberculosis.
While previous studies have examined the transmission of
pathogens in livestock and hospital-based research in humans
within the district, the specific role played by rodents and domestic
dogs in transmitting pathogens remains largely unknown. This
research gap necessitated conducting a comprehensive
metagenomics study to assess the diversity and abundance of
bacteria and viruses circulating among rodents, domestic dogs and
humans as well as the communities understanding of rodent-borne
diseases, including RVF, in the Ngorongoro district of Tanzania. The
Rift Valley fever was frequently previously reported to occur within
livestock and human populations of the Ngorongoro district. The
disease caused significant morbidity and mortality in both livestock
including humans.
To address the objectives, the study used Illumina and Oxford
Nanopore technologies to identify bacteria and viruses in 530 blood
samples collected from 200 humans, 230 rodents, and 100 domestic
dogs. Numerous bacteria and viruses were detected and identified by using MiSeq and MinION sequencers with a Kraken2 data
analysis program. Moreover, the study used 3 focus groups, 20 key
informant interviews, and the questionnaire (N=352) to collect
information on communities‘ awareness on rodent-borne diseases
and Rift Valley fever. The logistic regression model was used to
examine the relationship between demographic factors and
communities‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward rodent-
borne diseases and RVF occurrences.
In all three hosts, various pathogenic and zoonotic bacterial species
were detected. Zoonotic airborne and contagious bacteria such as
Mycobacterium spp, Mycoplasma spp, Bordetella spp and
Legionella spp were spotted in rodents, domestic dogs and humans.
Arthropod-borne zoonotic bacteria like Bartonella spp, Borrelia spp,
and Rickettsia spp were detected in all three hosts, while Orientia
spp were found in rodents and dogs. Yersinia pestis, Streptobacillus
spp and Anaplasma spp were identified in rodents only. Waterborne
and foodborne zoonotic bacteria were also spotted in all three hosts,
including Leptospira spp, Brucella spp, Bacillus spp, and
Salmonella. Generally, rodents carried a high proportion of zoonotic
bacteria compared to dogs and humans. The detection of zoonotic
bacteria in all three hosts showed the possibilities of cross-species
transmission of infections between animals and humans sharing the
same environment.
Several viral families and species were detected and identified in
this study. A total of 20 RNA and 20 DNA viral families and
unclassified RNA viruses were detected. The majority of viral
families were detected in rodents when compared to domestic dogs
and humans. Peribunyaviridae, Hantaviridae, Phenuiviridae,
Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae,
Retroviridae, Picornaviridae, Arenaviridae, Togaviridae, and
Tobaniviridae are zoonotic RNA viruses identified in rodents. The
zoonotic DNA viruses detected in rodents were Adenoviridae,
Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, Anelloviridae, and Circoviridae.
Peribunyaviridae and Hantaviridae viruses were identified in both rodents and humans, whereas Retroviridae was detected in rodents
and domestic dogs. Unclassified +ssRNA viruses were spotted in
domestic dogs and humans. Lastly, Herpesviridae was found in all
three hosts. In comparison with domestic dogs and humans, rodents
harboured potential zoonotic viruses of public health safety.
Result showed that 8.52% of respondents had good knowledge,
35.5% had a positive attitude, and 94.3% had good practices toward
rodent-borne diseases. The study revealed that only 28.13% of
participants were aware of rodent-borne zoonoses. The majority of
them (77.27%) believe that rodents are pests that destroy crops and
do not transmit pathogens. Moreover, the findings showed that the
majority of respondents (82.9%) live in huts which can provide
shelter for rodents. Additionally, except for education, the level of
knowledge had no significant relationship with most of the
participants‘ demographic variables. Respondents with secondary
education (p=0.017) had good knowledge of rodent-borne diseases
and management when compared to those without education.
Despite showing good practices, the communities still don‘t have
enough knowledge of rodent-borne infections.
The findings further showed that only 36.1%, 38.64%, and 16.19%
of participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes and effective
preventive practices about RVF occurrences, respectively. The
significant demographic variables related to good knowledge and
positive attitudes were gender (P<0.05), occupation (P<0.05) and
education (P<0.05). Male respondents had good knowledge of RVF
epidemiology. Individuals with formal education had good knowledge
and exhibited positive attitudes towards RVF occurrences.
Agropastoral members had a significantly negative attitude toward
RVF occurrences compared to pastorals (P=0.048). The study
revealed that the majority of respondents had poor knowledge,
negative attitudes and ineffective preventive practices towards RVF
epidemiology. Probably, these results were attributed to the lack of
regular education campaigns to increase community awareness of
the disease. This study novelty is based on the fact that it is the first to provide
the baseline information on the diversity of pathogenic and zoonotic
bacteria and viruses in rodents, domestic dogs and humans sharing
the same environment. Likewise, it established the levels of the
communities‘ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward rodent-
borne diseases including Rift Valley fever in Ngorongoro district for
the first time. The study population had inadequate knowledge and
negative attitudes toward rodent-borne diseases and RVF.
Therefore, one health multidisciplinary approach is recommended in
order to safeguard public and animal health from acquiring
zoonoses. Provision of health education should be a long-term
practice to prevent diseases outbreaks in Ngorongoro district and in
Tanzania at large.The African Centre of Excellent for Innovative Rodent Pest Management
and Biosensor Technology Development- ACE IRPM & BTD of SU